Photographic developing machine



May 9, 1939.

s. HERSHBERG PHOTOGRAPHI C DEVELOP ING MACHINE Original Filed June 8,1935 5 Sheets-Sheet l NE mi May 9, 1939. s. HERSHBERG v PHOTOGRAPHICDEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWI/K 7MATTORNEY.

May 9, 1939.

S. HERSHBERG PHOTOGRAPHIQ DEVELOPING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 OriginalFiled June 8, 1955 M p/2M ATTORNEY;

y 9, 1 s. HERSHBERG 2,157,128

PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 19:55 5Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY y 9, 1939- s. HERSHBERG 2,157,128

PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1935 5Sheets-Sheet 5 IIIII/l/l/l/ [Ill/[J II I III\ BY W MM ATTORNEY.

Patented May 9, 1939 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE Application June 8,1935, Serial No. 25,847 Renewed August 3, 1938 11 Claims.

This invention relates generally to photographic developing machines andmore particu;'- larly to such machines wherein all of the photographicfinishing processes are completed automatically.

The main object of this invention is the provision of structure whereingreat economy of operation is afforded, together with an increase in thesize and quality of finished pictures. All this is accomplished byvirtue of a compact and conjunctive arrangement of the varioussubassemblies; a saving in the cost of chemicals by eliminatinginter-tank pollution; a saving in labor costs owing to the automaticoperation of the machine, and the manipulation and transfer therethroughof the sensitized material; and by virtue of the production of a higheraverage of perfect rints, the result of precise timing of thedevelopment steps and exact mechanical manipulation thereof.

Another object of this invention is the provision of structurepermitting the light-proof communication between this developing machineand a camera, capable of movement independently of the said machine.

A further object of this machine is the furnishing of means wherebyindividual sheets of sensitized material, larger than heretofore, aremanipulated through the developing machine with-.

out the use of backing pieces or frames to reinforce the said sheets orwithout the necessity of feeding the developing machine with longcontinuous strips of sensitized material.

These objects, further features, and other incidental ends andadvantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure andas pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings similar reference characters denote similarparts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a fragmentary side elevational view of the machine with theouter casing thereof removed.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view, with the greater portion of theintake conveyor broken away.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view showing themagazine and clip loading mechanism.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view 'of Figure 3 along the line4-4- thereof showing one of the paper retaining-pawls or dogs.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure 3 along the line 55thereof showing one of the clips and actuating mechanism therefor,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure"? along the plane 5-6thereof showing Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view I! of theelectro-mechanical timing device.

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure I 0 along the line IlHthereof.

Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 10 along the line l2l2thereof.

Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional View of Figure 10 along the line[3-13 thereof.

Generally speaking, the invention contemplates a rectangularly shapedbox-like casing which encloses the developing machine, said casinghaving an angularly disposed top wall. A camera adapted for movementalong-the top wall maintains a light-proof connection therewith anddeposits exposed sheets of sensitized material upon a moving conveyor inthe developing machine casing. All this is clearly set forth inco-pending applications for Letters Patent by the same inventor asfollows: System of photography, filed September 15, 1934, Serial Number744,225; Photographic developing machine, filed September 21, 1934,Serial Number 744,886; Camera, filed September 21, 1934, Serial Number744,887. The sensitized sheets are then carried through the machine bymechanism to be described below and deposited into a receptacle asfinished prints or pictures.

The aforesaid box-like casing is composed of removable lightproofsidewalls detachably afilxed to a skeletal framework of angle iron, andthe various assemblies in the machine are suitably supported from saidframework. Numeral 2U designates one of the horizontal longitudinalangle irons, there being two, which constitute the longitudinal basemembers of the machine and support therebetween a base plate 21 formingthe flooring of the machine.

Power source An electric motor 22, preferably operating'at 1750 R. P.M., constitutes the main motive power source of the machine. Motor 22 ispositioned Sheet intake conveyor Numeral 28 designates a; continuousconveyor belt operating longitudinally and pitched as shown in Figure 1,and thus travels parallel to and below the tracks 29 which carry a.camera or other depositing equipment. The belt 28 is carried by a pairof rollers, only the lower drivihg' roller 30 being shown, and bothrollers are suitably trunnioned in brackets affixed to the frameworkadjacent thereto, said brackets not being shown in the accompanyingdrawings. Roller 30 is mounted upon a spindle 3| having a sprocketaffixed at each end thereof. The sprocket 32 aflixed to the outer endofspindle 3| is connected by a chain 33 to a sprocket 34 mounted onshaft 28. Spindle 31 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M

Magazine and magazine inlet chamber Situated forward of and below thelower bight of belt 28 is a magazine inlet chamber 35 comprised of arear wall 36, a forward wall 37, andtwo side walls which are forwardportions of two large vertical and parallel spaced plates 38 and 39.Plates 38 and 39 extend up and rearwardly to form side walls for theconveyor belt 28 and thus prevent any undesirable transversedisplacement of the sheets of sensitized material being I carried on thesaid belt. The rear wall 36 is transversely and vertically disposed,while the middle portion thereof is gently bent in two opposed rightangles so that the lower portion of said wall is rearwardly offset andparallel to the upper portion, and constitutes the rear wall 40 of themagazine 4|. Immediately to the rear of the forward wall 31 are mounteda pair of frustum rollers 42. Rollers 42 each have a flattened portion,and the axes of the said rollers are in a vertical plane parallel withfront wall 31. Both of the rollers 32 rotate in synchronism atapproximately 33 R. P. M., in the same direction, the flat faces thereofalways parallel. Said rollers derive motion from spindle 35 by means ofa pulley 43 on spindle'3i, a belt 54, a pair of idler pulleys 45, adouble pulley 48 on one of the rollers 42, a connecting belt 47, andapulley 48 on the other one of the rollers 42.

The bottom of the magazine inlet chamber 35 is a gently curved convexplate 49, the configuration thereof being best shown in Figure 9, Plate49 is pivotally mounted at the forward upper edge thereof, by means oftwo downwardly projecting integral bosses 58 co-axially penetrated by aspindle 5|, the latter penetrating the side walls formed by plates 38and 39 and being suitably trunnioned at its ends in horizontal bearingsupports 52 and 53, said supports projecting rearwardly from the frontskeletal framework. Integral with bosses 58 are two irregularly shapedpusher fingers 54, which extend downwardly and are then upwardly andarcuately bent tothe rear as best seen in Figure 9. The plate 49 andfingers 54 are caused to oscillate by means of the bellcrank lever 55and cam 55. Lever 55 is provided with laterally projecting integralstuds at each end thereof, each carrying a roller. The upper rollerbears against the under surface of plate 49, while the lower roller actsas a follower for cam 58; The lever is radially mounted upon a shaft 51which after penetrating plates 38 and 39 1s suitably trunnioned insupports 52 and 53, the details of said trunnioning being omitted fromthe drawings for the purpose of clarity. Cam 58 is mounted uponatransverse shaft 58 which similarly penetrates plates 38 and 39 and isJournalled in supports 52 and 53. Shaft 58 is driven by sprocket 59,concentrically afdxed. thereto adjacent its inner terminal, a connectingchain 80, and a sprocket 8| concentrically aflixed to spindle 3!adjacent the inner end thereof. Shaft 58 rotates at approximately 22 R.P. M.

The floor of magazine 4] is formed by a horizontal shelf 52 suitablysupported from the skeletal framework adjacent thereto, and extendinglaterally sufficient to form a flooring 'for the clip loading mechanismas will be more particularly described below. Situated within themagazine 4| directly in front of rear'wall 49 and at a height aboveshelf 82 slightly greater than the width of a sheet of sensitizedmaterial stood on edge therein. are a pair of pawls or dogs 83. Dogs 63are pivotally mounted by reason of their aflixation to a shaft 54 whichis trunnioned similarly to shaft 51 set forth above. The lower terminalsof dogs 63 are wedge shaped and downwardly pointed, while the upperterminals thereof are provided with laterally projecting studs withrollers thereon which serve as followers for a pair of cams 65 mountedon a shaft 88. Shaft 86 is trunnioned similarly to shaft 51 set forthabove and adjacent its outer end carries a gear 81 which engages a gear88 carried by shaft 58, thus deriving its rotation from shaft 58. Therotation of shaft 56 causes dogs 83 to rock as best seen in Figure 4.

The rear wall 40 of magazine 41 has a horizontal rectangular slottherein and within said slot a resiliently faced plate 89 is adapted fortransverse reciprocation. Plate 89 is provided with two longitudinalflanges 10 which engage corresponding channels in a guideway plate 1|supported horizontally and transversely of the machine by two uprights12 vertically projecting from shelf 52. Guideway plate 1! contains ahorizontal slot 13, so that a stud 14 integral with plate 69 projectsrearwardly from said plate through the slot 13. A link bar 15 ispivotally connected to a crank 18 and the stud 14. Crank 16 is radiallyaflixed to the forward end of a short shaft 11 which is journalled intwo uprights 18 and 19' projecting from shelf 82. A horizontal plate 88carries a resilient facing 8| and is supported by an integral downwardlybent arm 82 offset at a 90 degree angle thereto. Horizontal plate 88 andarm 82 are adapted for vertical reciprocation by reason of the slideablemounting of arm 82 in the upright 83. Arm 82 has. longitudinal flangeswhich engage a corresponding vertical channel guideway in the upperportion of upright 83. The said channel in upright 83 is open to therear to permit the projection therethrough of a short stud, 84 whichprojects rearwardly from the lower end of arm 82 and serves a followerfor the cam 85 mounted on shaft 11. Stud 84 is maintained in operativeengagement with cam 85 by the contractile spring 88 connecting plate 88and upright 19. Rotation of shaft 11 thus causes plate 89 to laterallyreciprocate and plate 80 to vertically reciprocate. Shaft 11 derivesrotation through a sprocket 81 thereon, a connecting chain 88} and asprocket 89 mounted immediately to the rear of upright 21' on shaft 21.

The forward wall of the magazine H is formed by a rectangularcompressor'plate 90, vertically and transversely disposed, and adaptedfor forward and rearward reciprocation. Compressor plate 90 is providedwith two integral and parallel rods 9I projecting perpendicularly fromthe front face thereof, and these rods are slideably mounted in theorificed upper ends of two uprights 92 vertically projecting from shelf62. Plate 90 also contains two vertically disposed slots 93 to permitthe rearward penetration therethrough of the pusher fingers 54.

An irregularly shaped bell-crank lever 94 is pivotally mounted belowmagazine 4I for movement in a vertical plane, by means of a shortintegral axle which is journalled between the upper ends of a bifurcatedupright support 95.

A stud 96 on the upper end of lever 94 contacts plate 49 and displacesit upwardly and rearwardly when lever 94 is actuated, while the pivotalconnection of lever 94 to plate 90 through the sliding clevis assembly91, causes "a concurrent rearward displacement of plate 90. In assembly91 the clevis is integral with plate 90 while the clevis pin penetratesa slot in'lever 94 thereat. The rear and lower end of lever 94 isprovided with an integral stud and roller thereon which serves as afollower for the actions of the upper arm of a rock-lever 98. Bell-cranklever 94 is maintained in operative engagement with rock-lever 98 by theaction of a contractile spring 99 connecting the lower arm of lever 94and the upright support 95. Rock-lever 98 is pivotally mounted formovement in a vertical plane, by means of a short integral axle which isjournalled between the upper ends of a bifurcated upright support. I00.Supports 95 and I00 project perpendicularly from base plate 2I. Thelower and rear arm of rock-lever 98 is provided with an integral studand roller thereon which serves as a follower for a plate cam IIlI,approximating a semi-circle in shape, and mounted upon a long transverseshaft I02. The configuration of cam IN is best seen in Figure l, but itis omitted from Figure 2 for purposes of clarity. Shaft I02 isjournalled in two uprights I03 and I04 at the ends thereof, and derivesrotation 1 through a sprocket I05 mounted thereon adjacent'upright I03,a chain I05, and a sprocket I01. Sprocket I01 is mounted on a shorttransverse shaft I08 journalled in uprights I09 and III! perpendicularlyprojecting from base plate 2I, just forward of the speed reduction gearbox 25. Short shaft I08 penetrates upright H0 and projects therethroughto have concentrically mounted upon the inner end of-said shaft a bevelgear III which engages another bevel gear II2 the latter bevel beingconcentrically mounted upon shaft 21 just forward of box 25. Shaft I08operates at one half the speed of shaft 21, and shaft I02 operates atthe same speed as shaft I08 so that shaft I02 operates at the speed of 7of tanks is arbitrary, and depends upon a consideration of the type ofdevelopment process to be used or upon limitations of space. The

several tanks are supported in operative position in any suitable mannersuch as by nesting them in brackets projecting from the floor of adrainage trough I2.I. Trough I2I has vertical longitudinal side walls,and a verticalfront wall, while the rear wall thereof is angularlydisposed. The bottom of trough I2I is not-horizontal, so that drainagewill be accomplished, and a suitable outlet leading to a sewer or otherdisposal means communicates with the trough at its lowest point, saidoutlet not being specifically shown in the drawings. Trough I2I issupported by attachment to the skeletal framework adjacent thereto. Thecontiguous front and rear walls of the tanks II3-I20 contact each otherat the upper edges thereof, but converge so that the bottom of each tankis reduced in size. The side walls of the tanks are parallel andvertical. Each of the tanks is provided with a manually controlledpetcock I22 in the bottom thereof, while communicating with the mouth ofeach tank is an inlet pipe I23.. Pipes I23 connect with the water supplyI24 and are each provided with a manually operable control valve. Theends of the inlet pipes I23 and the water supply I24 gate I26 and therear edge of gate I21 are hinged slightly below the mouth of box I25 tothe front and rear walls, respectively, of said box. The free edge ofgate I26 is notched as will be set forth in detail below. The hingededges are adapted for pivotal movement by virtue of their radialafiixation to two transverse spindles I28 which are journalled inorifices in the side walls of box I25. Spindles I28 project through theouter side wall of box I25 and have cranks I29 radially affixed to theouter ends thereof. The free ends of cranks I29 carry integral studs androllers thereon which serve as followers for the cam surfaces on anactuating plate I30. Plate I30 is vertically disposed, parallel to theouter side wall of box I25, and is supported in position by an inwardlybent integral right angled arm I3 I, said arm being affixed to the undersurfaces of the longitudinal tie bars of the transfer carriage, as setforth below. Plate I30 has two parallel operating edges I32, and twoconverging operating edges I33, as best seen in Figure l Where it isshown in its lowered position. As plate I30 is raised, convergingoperating edges I33 act as cam surfaces and force cranks I29 apartthereby opening gates I26 and I21, while the parallel operating edgesI32 keep the gates open as the plate I30 is raised farther. The descentof plate I30 reverses this procedure, the action of gravity upon gatesI25 and I21 being aided by a contractile spring interconnecting thestuds on the free ends of cranks I29. Re-exposing box I25 has thelowermost portion of the forward wall thereof expanded to contain anincandescent bulb I35 or other illuminating source, and within said boxadjacent said bulb, an angularly disposed translucent plate I36 mountedinwardly and downwardly from the inner surface of the said forward wall.Plate I36 serves to diffuse the light emitted from bulb I35 during there-exposing process so that uniform illumination is obtained on theactinio surfa a of a sheet of sensitized material sus pended in box I25.Where a development process is used in which re-exposure is notnecessary or is otherwise undesirable the box I25 and the other partsintegrally attached thereto may be completely removed and another tankidentical to the others may be substituted. Vertical reciprocation ofplate I30 will then have no operative eflfcct.

Situated forwardly of tank 3 and in associa, tion therewith is anenclosed electrical heater l3] which is used to alter the temperature ofthe chemical solution in said tank. Numeral I38 denotes a similar heaterassociated with tank 4. These heaters may he placed adjacent any of thetanks whenever desired, in the interstices formed owing to thedownwardly converging front and rear walls of the tanks. Theenergizatlon of the heater units is controlled either thermostaticallyand/or predeterminately, although the structure as shown displays thelatter type of control. Numeral I39 designates a thermometer having itssensitive element immersed in tank 3 and its recording or indicatingelement external to the machine casing. Similar instruments may he usedwith any of the other tanks where temperature control is deemedsufficiently important.

The transfer carriage For the manipulation of the sheets of sensitizedmaterial through the various steps of de velopment a transfer carriage40 is positioned above the row of tanks II3I20. The carriage I40comprises generally a substantially rectangular frame horizontally andlongitudinally disposed and adapted for vertical reciprocation andcarrying thereon an endless chain adapted for intermittent motioninsynchronism with the oscillations of the rectangular frame. The endlesschain in turn carries the clips which are capable of limited independentmovement and carry the sheets of sensitized material in their jaws. v

Numerals I41 and I42 represent inner and outer horizontal longitudinaltie bars which are rigidly ailixed to two non-rotating transverse axlesI43 and 144 by means retaining hubs I45. Axles I43 and I44 arehorizontal and project inwardly from ofiset bosses 146 which constitute90 degrees angle elbows of sleeves 1, as best shown in Figure 3.

' Sleeves I41 are slideably mounted upon two upright rods I48 and arethus capable of vertical I48 are rigidly displacement thereon. Rodsmounted in parallel and vertical position by pedestals at the bottomsthereof, affixed to base plate 21 thereunder, while the upper terminalsof said rods are inter-braced by a horizontal tie bar H9 affixed theretoby hubs 356.

The rear axle lid has concentrically mounted thereon a large idlersprocket 153 which though free to rotate is prevented from lateraldisplacement. Forward axle 3 has similarly mounted thereon a largedriving sprocket Q52, which integral with the hub 353 thereof has anexpanded concentric flange l54. Flange i54 has concentrically mountedupon the outer face thereof a ratchet wheel I55 having four equi-distantperipheral teeth. Outwardly of ratchet wheel I55 is a pinion I56concentrically mounted on axle I43 and free to rotate thereabout. Theinner face of pinion I56 carries a radial arm I51, having pivotallyattached to the free end of said arm a pawl I58 cooperatively engagingthe aforefrom the forward end of tie bar I49. It may now be seen thateach complete cycle of raising and lowering the transfer carriage I40will result-in a uni-directional quarter revolution of large drivingsprocket I52.

Encircllng sprockets II and I52 is a large endless band or chain I6Iwhich is maintained under tension so that it is taut. Chain I6'I carriesequidistantly spaced thereabout a plurality of brackets I62 which areintegral with the pairs of side links I63 thereat, as best seen inFigure 5 of the accompanying drawings. Brackets I62 carry retainingmeans or clips I64 pivotally mounted thereon by pins "I. The generalconstruction of clips I64 is seen in Figures 3 and 5 while in the otherviews said clips are indicated by the center lines thereof, for purposesof clarity. Each of the clips I64 is comprised of a fixed jaw I65 (thatis, not capable of longitudinal movement with relation to the chain I6!) and a movable jaw I66. Jaws I65 and I66 are each provided with apair of inwardly bent integral offset ears, having aligned orificestherein and being pivotaliy interconnected by -a pintle I61, retained inplace by expanded ends thereon. The jaws of the clips are maintained ina normally closed position by the action .ofexpansive springs I68, whichforce the gripping teeth I69 in intimate contact. The gripping faces ofthese teeth when desired are provided with corresponding pin pointprojections and depressions, or other surface irregularities to preventslippage of the sheets of sensitized material therefrom. The fixed jawsI65 of each of the clips I64 are provided withintegral actuating armsI10, disposed transversely and inwardly with relation to the entiremachine and longitudinally with respect to' the clips I64. These arms Icontrol the radial displacement of the clips I64 about the pins I11.Since clipsI 64 are associated essentially with the chain 16 I, theirtravel may be described by two opposed semicirclesthe inturned ends ofwhich are joined by two parallel lines in a longitudinal vertical plane,and said clips may be spoken of generally as being at one time in anactive or down position, or at another'time in an inactive, inverted orup position. There are two horizontal positions in which the clips aretravel ing from or to the active position.

When the clips I64 are in their active position,

or over the developing tanks II3 to I20 inclusive they are subjected toa gentle radial oscillation in the following manner. The free ends ofarms I10 are provided with studs and rollers thereon which act asfollowers for a series of eccentric circular plate cams i12 mountedalong a longitudinal shaft I13 suitably journalled at the ends thereofin a forward upright 414 and a rear upright I15. Uprights l7! and 515project from base plate 2! and are an exact height so that when clips164 come to rest in their loading or discharging position the tops ofthe said uprights contact arms I10 and properly align the clips in atrue horizontal position. The shape of arms H0 is best seen in Figure 3in which the lower arm shown is that belonging to the clip directly tothe rear of the one shown in the loading position, from which lastmentioned clip the arm I10 is deleted and the upright I14 is omitted tobetter display the magazine and the clip loading mechanism.

' At this point may also be noted a peculiarity of cam I16 which isconcentrically mounted upon shaft I13 opposite the re-exposing box I25so that the sheet of sensitized material within said box may remain atrest during re-exposure. Cam I16 may be replaced by an eccentric camwhen a tank is substituted for box I25.

Shaft I 13 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M. and derives rotation bymeans of a gear I11 mounted thereon forward of upright I15; said gearI11 engaging a gear I18 mounted on a short shaft I19. Shaft I19 ishorizontally and longitudinally disposed and is Journalledin uprightsI88 and I8I. The forward end of shaft I19 penetrates the forward uprightI8I and terminates in a bevel gear I82 which meshes with anot er bevelgear I83 mounted upon the inner end 0 a transverse horizontal shaft I84.Shaft I84 is .journalled in uprights I85 and I86, penetrating the latterto terminate in a sprocket I81 which is connected by a chain I88 to asprocket I99 on the outer'end of shaft 26.

The clips I64. when in their inverted or inactive position assume theposition shown in Figure 3,

caused by the off center weight of arms I18. The

degree of tilt is controlled when the arms I18 come to rest againstbrackets I62. A shelf I4I' integral with the tie bar I and shown only onFigure 3 serves a double function by carrying of! water which hasdrained from the tilted clips and by conducting it over the tanks I I3I28 and discharging said'water into the trough I2I or,

other suitable outlet.

When clips I64 are in their active or down position and the transfercarriage I48 is raised, the off center weight of a ms I18 causes theclips I64 to tilt and allow one corner of the sheet to hang lowermost.This facilitates the draining of excess solution from the surfaces ofthe sheet and reduces inter-tank pollution.

When the transfer carriage I48 is lowered the entrance of the sheet islikewise facilitated by the one point lowermost? position of the sheetin that when damp the said sheet is comparatively limp and buckling isavoided, the point first entering the solution in the tank producingthis effect.

The transfer carriage elevating mechanism The transfer carriage I48 iselevated by the actuation of a double bell crank assembly I98 having apower arm I9I and front and rear load arms I92 and I93 respectively.Arm's I92 and I93 form an angle of 180 degrees with each other while armI9I is slightly outwardly offset and bisects this angle. Crank assemblyI98 is pivotally mounted, by means of an integral transverse axle I94,in a bracket I95 depending from tie bar I49. The free ends of the loadarms are connected by flexible chains to clevises I91 on bosses I46. Thechains I96 rise vertically from said bosses and after passing over idlerpulleys I98 approach each other to terminate at the load arms I92 andI93. Pulleys I98 are mounted proximate the ends of tie bar I49.

The free end of power arm I9I is pivotally connected to the upper end ofa vertical link bar I99, in turn pivotally attached to the free end of aradial arm 288; Tie bar I49 is cut away slightly as indicated by numeral'28I to allow clearance when arm I9I is rotated. A horizontal transverseshaft 282 suitably journalled in uprights off base plate 2! carriesradial arm 288 integrally on the outer terminal thereof and a gear 283at the inner end thereof. Gear 283 engages an arcuate rack 284concentrically mounted on the rear or load arm of a lever 285. Lever 285has an integral collar medially thereof by which it is rotatably mountedon a short transverse shaft 286 which is journalled in two uprights offthe base plate 2|. The forward or power arm of lever 285 is providedwith an offset stud and roller thereon which acts as a follower for thesteep rise plate cam 281. Cam 281 is integrally mounted on shaft I82,inwardly of cam I8I and directly beneath shaft 21. Since shaft I82operates at approximately 2 R. P. M. as set forth above, cam 281 throughthe mechanism just described, causes the transfer carriage I48 to riseduring 3 seconds, fall during 1 seconds, and to remain stationary during25 seconds, two complete cycles of oscillation being completed everyminute.

The transfer carriage in its upper position is adapted to operate thecontrol toggle arm I24" of a valve I24 situated in the main water supplyline I24as shown in Figure 1. The free end of arm I24" is provided witha mounted stud and roller thereon which is actuated by tie-bar I42 whenin the upper position thereof. Since the machine always ceases operationwith the transfer carriage I48 in its upper position, as will bedescribed below, valve I24 is adjusted to close whenever the transfercarriage is in that position.

The clip loading mechanism Situated immediately inward of the rear wall48 of the magazine are a pair of upright contacting resilient rollerscomprising an idler roller 288 and a driving roller 289. These rollersare mounted on upright axles 2I8 projecting from on the inner terminalof shaft 58.

Situated immediately opposite the point of engagement of rollers 288 and289, and directly below one of the clips I64 when in its loadingposition is a small horizontal transverse shelf 2I8 suitably supportedby shelf 62 at a height thereabove slightly less than the width of asheet of sensitized material, said support not being shown in thedrawings. Shelf 2I8 is slotted longitudinally and centrally thereof, theslot communicating with the inner edge of said shelf. Aflixed to theunder surface of shelf 2I8 and coextensive with the edges of theaforesaid slot are a pair of upper sheet edge guides 2I9 while directlyvertically therebelow are a similar pair of corresponding lower sheetedge guides 228 affixed to the upper surface of shelf 62. Upper .guides2I9 and lower guides 228 position the upper and lower edges respectivelyof a sheet of sensitized material after it has been ejected by theaction of rollers 288 and 289, so that said sheet is in an exactlyaligned position to be grasped by the said clip. The upper edge of saidsheet projects through guides 2I9 and shelf 2I8 to allow a sufficientsurface thereof to be grasped by said clip as best seen in Figure 5.

A right angle bracket 223 supported in an upright position by shelf 2 I8carries a face plate 224 on the forward vertical surface thereof, saidplate being suitably shaped to conformto the rear face of the clipbrackets I62. The function of bracket 223 and plate 224 is to preventdisalignment of .the fixed jaws I65 when the movable jaw I66 is actuatedby a transverse horizontal rod 225. Rod 225 is carried between tworadial arms 226 and 221 which pivot aboutthe point of attachment thereofto two lugs 228 projecting from shelf 2I8. The outer radial arm 221 isextended upwardly and is pivotally attached to the forward end of ahorizontal, longitudinally disposed, link bar 229.

The rear end of link bar 229 is connected to the clip unloading ordischarging mechanism to be described below. Rearward motion of link bar226 causes the rod 226, which thus acts as a crank, to open one of theclips I64 in the loading position, while forward motion of said barcloses,

or more specifically, allows the clip to close.

Link bar 226 is longitudinally reciprocated by a long vertical lever238. The upper or load arm of lever 226 is slotted and connects with apin projecting outwardly from link bar 228 adjacent its forward end,while the lower end of lever 228 is provided with an integral stud androller thereon which acts as a follower for a plate cam 22L Lever 238 ispivotally mounted medially thereof on a bracket affixed to the adjacentskeletal frame said bracket being omitted from the drawings. Cam 22I ismounted on the outer end ofshaft I82.

The clip' unloading mechanism One of the clips I64 when it is inposition to be unloaded lies directly below rear axle I44, andto therear of a small rectangular shelf 232, horizontally and transverselydisposed. Shelf 222 corresponds with plate 2I9 and supports an assemblyidentical with that described in conshaft 234 carries a cam 235 which isactuated by a finger 236 carried by link bar 229.

A contractile spring, interconnecting rear rod I 46 and a small offsetradial arm vertically depending oif shaft 234 immediately inwardof cam235, serves to keep fingers 233 in inoperative position and to keep theearn 235 in cooperative engagement with finger 236.

The dryer Situated below a clip in its unloading position, is a gentlycurved plate 231, vertical at its upper portion and diverging to therear at its lower portion.

Numerals 238 and 233 designate a pair of vertical, longitudinallydisposed, spaced parallel plates which project from base plate 2!.Plates 238 and 233 carry trunnioned therebetween four transverse rollers248, 2, 242, and 243. Rollers 248 and 24S are composed of any suitablyresilient material, and the peripheries thereof engage each other at apointproximate the lower edge of curved plate 231. Rollers 240 and '24!act as wringers and the liquidwhich they squeeze from the sensitizedsheet as it passes therebetween falls into the trough l2! therebelow.Rollers 242 and 243 are encircled by a continuous belt 244 composed ofany suitable material such as canvas, while between the inner surfacesof said belt and between said rollers is an enclosed electrical heater245. The upper and lower walls of heater 245 contact the inner face ofthe belt 244, thereby not only drying the sensitized sheet by directconduction and radiation of heat thereto, but by drying the belt itself,since the belt is of absorbent construction.

Rnller 243 is an idler, while roller 242 is driven by asprocket 246mounted on the outer end of its spindle. a connecting chain 241, and aaprocktation through a sprocket 248, a chain 258, a

sprocket 26I, a transverse horizontal short shaft 252, a gear 253 and apinion 254 on shaft I84.

I Sprocket 248 is mounted on the inner end of the spindle of roller 248.Sprocket 26! and gear 263 are mounted on shaft 262 which is suitablyjournalled in uprights oil. the base plate 2|. Rollers 248 and 242operate at approximately 3 R. P. M.

Proximate the roller 243 and at the rear-of the machine is anirregularly shaped receptacle 246 adapted to receive finished sensitizedsheets. It is substantially wider than belt 244, and is lacking theouter side wall thereof. This side opening communicates with a similaropening in the casing of the machine which is closed by a flexiblelight-proof curtain, and through which opening the finished pictures maybe obtained. The receptacle is designed to prevent the entrance of lighttherethrough into the machine casing.

The timing mechanism order that the heat generated by heatersconstructed that it normally sets a trigger 281 which keeps theelectrical circuit closed to the main motor 22 whenever a spiral spring256 is allowed tov unwind. The release of spring 256 occurs whenever asolenoid. 252 is energized, which energization takes place simultaneouswith the depositing of each separate exposed sensitized sheet onconveyor belt 28. As soon as motor 22 operates, however, it begins torewind forward end thereof, a chain 260, and a sprocket 26I on shaft 21.Shaft 258 is horizontally and longitudinally disposed above shelf 255,and is journalled in three uprights 262 which each carry pivotallymounted thereon one of the mercury switches 263, 264, and 265. Switch263 is in series with heater 245; switch 264 with heaters I3! and I38;and switch 265 is in series with the incandescent bulb I35. Shaft 258carries mounted thereon four cams 266, 261, 268, and 269. Switches 263,264 and 265 are pivotally mounted and springs 263' rotate them so thatplus projecting from the side walls thereof act as followers for cams266, 261, and 268, respectively, said cams being uniform with eachother. Cam 268 actuates the lower arm of a vertically disposed rocklever 216, while the upper arm there-- of is connected by a link 2' tothe free end of a radial arm 212. Lever 218 is pivotally mounted on anupright 213 projecting from shelf 255, while wheel 219. Pawl 218 ismounted on the rear face of upright 216, opposite ratchet wheel 218which is free to rotate on axle 214. Proximate the periphery of wheel219, and projecting perpendicularly from the rear face thereof is anannular row of spaced pins 280. Afiixed to axle 214 and immediatelyrearward of wheel 219 is the spiral spring 256. The outer end of spring256 is affixed to the forward face of a' disc 28| and thus serves torotate said disc in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 12,whenever disc 28I is disengaged from wheel 219. A

lug 292' projecting from shelf 255 serves'as a stop against which thepin 292 strikes to limit the The out counter-clockwise rotation of disc28I. er end of spring 256 is attached to the forward face of disc 28| bymeans of a pin 282 perpendicularly projecting from the said forwardface.

The disc 28| constitutes an enlarged flange of a sleeve 283, adapted torotate about the axle 214, and capable of limited longitudinal movementtherealong. Mounted upon said sleeve and im-- mediately to the rear ofdisc 28! is a cam 284 adapted to actuate a follower 285 which projectsfrom the front face of a mercury switch 286 in series with the motor 22.A spring 286' causes follower 285 to contact cam 284. When cam 284rotates counter-clockwise as viewed in Figure 13, it strikesa trigger281 by means of a lug 288 perpendicularly projecting from the rear faceof said cam. When cam 284 rotates clockwise it raises switch 286 to itson position where said switch is latched by the trigger 281. Trigger 281is mounted on an offset arm 289 of an upright 290 which carries theswitch 286 pivotally mounted thereon. An expansive spring 29I about therear portion of axle 214 serves to force the sleeve 283 forward so thatpin 292 projecting from the front face of disc 28I engages one of theinterstices of the row of pins 280, while a lever 293 having abifurcatedfree end riding on the sleeve 283 is adapted to strike a collar 294mounted on the rear end of sleeve 283 and thereby disengage disc 28I andwheel 219 with the rearward displacement of said sleeve. Lever 293 isadapted for movement in a horizontal plane by the pivotal mounting ofthe outer end thereof on an upright 294, the actuation of said leverbeing accomplished by the link 295 attached to the armature of solenoid251. The contractile spring 296 of the trigger 281 is anchored in lever293.

It is to be noted at this point that the radial position of cam 269 onshaft 258 is correlated with the radial position of cam 201 on shaft I02so that the machine comes to rest with the transfer carriage I40 in itselevated position, and earns 266, 261, and 268 elevating switches 253,264, and 265 to their off position, thus opening all electrical circuitsand closing the water supply.

General operation Exposed sheets of sensitized material, preferablyrectangular in shape, are deposited on the conveyor belt 28 with thegreatest length of the sheets transversely thereof, and are carrieddownwardly by the said belt and deposited in the magazine inlet chamber35, long edge first. Where for some reason a sensitized sheet isdeposited on belt 28 with its greatest length parallel to the belt, orat any angle therewith not a right angle, rollers 42 turn it about bycontacting the edges thereof. The narrowest width of the upper mouth ofthe chamber 35 is less than half the length of a sensitized sheet, sothat the center of gravity of a sheet coming down the conveyor preventsit from pitching head first into chamber 35.

The oscillations of curved plate 49 jog the sheet so that it falls fromchamber 35 into the magazine'4I where fingers 54 push the sheetrearwardly with its lower edge resting on shelf 62.

The resilient facing contacts the upper edge of the sheet, risingmomentarilly when the fingers 54 enter the magazine. As fingers 54 enterthe magazine, the dogs 63 rise to allow the sheet edge to passrearwardly thereunder, and then these dogs fall to retain the sheet inposition as fingers 54 withdraw. As other sheets are deposited onbelt'28, they too are carried through the chamber 35 and are stacked upedgewise and consecutively in front of those already in the magazine.

As soon as an empty clip I64 is positioned opposite rollers 208 and 209,compressor plate 90 moves rearward thus forcing the rearmost sheet inthe magazine into contact with the laterally reciprocating resilientplate 69, which as it moves outwardly of the magazine 4| carries therearmost sheet out of the magazine so that it may be pulled between thesaid rollers and fed into the awaiting open jaws of the clip I64.

Resilient plate 69 is composed preferably of rubber and actuates therearmost sensitized sheet because of the frictional or adhesivequalities of said plate. Plate 8| is similarly composed preferably ofrubber and grips the edges of all of the sheets stacked within themagazine, but allows the rearmost sheet to move because the action ofplate 69 has a more effective grip on the flat surface of said rearmostsheet, while the frictional engagement of the front face of the rearmostsheet and the rear face of the sheet directly in front is less than thefrictional-engagement of plate 8| on the edge of the last mentionedsheet.

Although plate 69 is constantly in motion, it only affects sheets whichare brought into intimate contact therewithby the action of compressorplate 90. The latter plate moves rearward only when an open clip is inposition to be loaded, which occurs every 30 seconds. Simultaneous withthe rearward movement of plate 90, the curved plate 49 is raised so thatit closes the bottom opening of the magazine inlet chamber 35 thuseffectively preventing sheets from falling into the magazine while theactual clip loading operation is taking place.

The clip I64 then closes upon the upper edge of the sheet and grips it,while the transfer carriage I40 consecutively immerses the grippingteeth I69 and the sheet therebetween in each of the tanks 3 to I20, andinserts it into the box oping solutions they are subjected to gentleagitation owing to the action of cams I12 on arms I10, which therebyagitates the solutions which as is well known in the art expedites thedevelopment process and assures uniformity of chemical action.

As is obvious to those skilled in the art, the solutions in the varioustanks may be arranged in any suitablemanner. Those tanks desired I25.While the sheets are immersed in the develas washing tanks have thepetcocks I22 thereon opened, and the water inlet pipe valves adjusted sothat a constant level of circulating water is maintained. The positionof the petcocks at the bottom of the tanks allows the water made heavyby the chemicals dissolved therein to flow out by the action of gravity.Those tanks desired to contain chemical solutions have the petcocksthereon closed and are filled manually. When, however, it is desired toflush and refill these tanks with fresh solutions, it is only necessaryto open the petcocks and the water inlets thereabove to completely cleanthem preparatory to refilling.

When a clip IE4 is placed within the re-exposing box I25 the notchededge of gate I26 overlaps gate I21 and encircles the gripping teeth I89directly above the sensitized sheet thereby promoting a light-proof sealat this point. This prevents light escaping from box I25 and foggingother sheets in different stages of the development process.

The clip upon reaching its discharging or unloading position is openedand the sheet falls therefrom. Simultaneous with the dischargingoperation another clip is loaded at the loading position. Where thesheet tends to stick to the clip owing to the adhesion of the gelatinecoating thereon or for anyother reasons, said sheet is forceably ejectedby means of the fingers 233. The sheet is then wrung and dried as setforth above and finally deposited in receptacle 248.

The machine as disclosed shows timing of the various operations topermit a separate sheet to be loaded into the clips every 30 seconds anda complete picture to be produced in about 6 minutes. The timingmechanism as set for a 7 /2 minute period of operation allows asufficient margin of time-to completely finish all of the pictures ifthey are not placed upon conveyor 28 at a greater frequency than oneevery 30 seconds. This timing has been found ample in practice as atleast 30 seconds are consumed in posing the subject, and adjusting theportrait lights. Where however, exposed sheets of sensitized materialare deposited on the conveyor 28 in greater frequency, the timingmechanism may be altered to increase the period above 7 minutes orauxiliary means may be-included to re-energize solenoid 25'! so that allof the sheets deposited in the magazine 4| may be completed.

. Furthermore, this machine is adapted for use as an automaticdeveloping machine working independently of a movable camera, or inconjunction with a fixed camera, in which case the angularly disposedtop wall of the casing may be level instead, and some of the feedingmechanism (for example: belt 28 and/or rollers 42) may be dispensedwith, I

I wish it distinctly understood that variations in the materials,construction, integration, and arrangement of the parts and assembliesmay be indulged in without departing from the spirit of the invention orthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an automatic machine for finishing'and developing sheets ofsensitized material; a magazine adapted to stack said sheetshorizontally on edge therewithin; the magazine having a friction plateadapted to engage the edges of said sheets and retain said sheets withinthe magazine; and discharging means associated with the magazine todischarge single sheets in the same order in which said sheets aredeposited therein; and a transfer carriage adapted to advance saidsheets through the process of development and having a movable endlessband with sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets;

and mechanism for actuating said discharging means and said sheetretaining means whereby a sheet discharged. from said magazine isreceived by said retaining means.

2. In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets'ofsensitized material; a magazine adapted to stack said sheetshorizontally on edge therewithin, comprising stationary side walls andbottom, a movable front wall, and a stationary rear wall, a pusherfinger penetrating said movable wall and adapted to reciprocatetherethrough, a movable dog situated adjacent the said rear wall, andmeans to actuate said finger and said dog in synchronism whereby saidsheets are retained stacked between said dog and said stationary rearwall in the order in which they are deposited in the magazine, and. atransfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process ofdevelopment and having a movable endless band with a plurality of sheetretaining means thereon for grasping said sheets and mechanism foractuating said ejecting means and said sheet retaining means whereby asheet ejected from said magazine is received by the,

retaining means.

3. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitizedsheets; a magazine and a transfer carriage having a movable endless bandwith a; plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means toimpart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band wherebyeach of the retaining means is consecutively posivtioned opposite saidmagazine, and mechanism to actuate said feeder in correlation with thepositioning of the said retaining means, said mechanism comprising apusher plate adapted to press a sensitized sheet into contact with saidoscil-- lating plate.

,4. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitizedsheets: a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a pluralityof sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band infixed spatial relation; elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocatingsaid carriage; agitating mechanism, independent of said elevatingmechanism, to selectively agitate less than all of said retaining means.

5. In an automatic machine for developing and finishing sheets ofsensitized material, a. transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheetsthrough the process of development and having a movable endless bandwith a. plurality of sheet retaining means thereon for grasping saidsheets, said. sheet retaining means being independently feeder therewithincluding an oscillating plate, a

pivotally mounted and having a. radial extension arm afiixed' theretowhereby the center of gravity retaining means thereon for grasping saidsheets,

said sheet retaining means being independently and pivotally mounted andhaving a radial extension arm aflixed thereto whereby the center ofgravity occurs to one side of the pivot so that a rectangular sheet heldby said means will .hang with one corner lowermost, and means to actuatesaid arm whereby the retaining means are correspondingly agitated.

7. In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets ofsensitized material: a magazine, a magazine inlet chamber having amovable gate adapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitizedsheets within the said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof topermit said sheets to travel to said magazine, a feeder associated withthe magazine for ejecting sheets therefrom, a transfer carriage having amovable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining meansthereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement tosaid band whereby each of the retaining means is consecutivelypositioned adjacent the magazine, mechanism to actuate said feeder incorrelation with the positioning of the said retaining means whereby asheet may be fed to one of theretaining means, and means to move thegate of the magazine inlet chamber into its closed position, therebypreventing the influx of sensitized sheets into the magazine, while thefeeder is in operation feeding a sensitized sheet into one of the sheetretaining means.

8. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitizedsheets: a magazine, a magazine inlet chamber having a movable gateadapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitized sheetswithin said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof to permitsaid sheets to travel. into said magazine, a feeder associated with themagazine and including a movable plate, a transfer carriage having amovable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining meansthereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement tosaid band whereby each of the sheet retaining means is conpurpose offeeding a'sensitized sheet out of the magazine.

9 In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets ofsensitized material: a magazine adapted to stack said sheetshorizontally on edge therewithgin; the magazine having a movablefriction plate adapted in the engaging position thereof to frictionallyengage and retain said sheets -within the magazine and in thedisengaging position thereof to allow additional sheets to be added tothe stack; discharging means associated with the magazine to dischargesingle sheets in the same order in which said sheets are depositedtherein; means to move the friction plate to its disengaging positionwhen sheets are being placed in the magazine and to move said frictionplate to its engaging position when the discharging means is discharginga single sheet from the magazine; a transfer carriage adapted to advancesaid sheets through the process of development and having a movableendless band with sheet retaining means thereon for holding said sheets;and mechanism for actuating said discharging means and said sheetretaining means whereby a sheet discharged from said magazine isreceived by said retaining means.

10. In an automatic photographic machine for developing sensitizedsheets: a light-proof re-exposing box having a movable closure at thetop thereof; a transfer carriage adapted for vertical reciprocation; acrank connected to said closure; a plate cam movable with the transfercarriage, the crank acting as a follower for said cam whereby verticalmovement of the carriage results in movement of the closure.

11. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitizedsheets: a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a. pluralityof sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band infixed spatial relation; loading and unloading mechanism for the sheetretaining means, said mechanism being stationary and fixed with relationto the loading and unloading positions of the sheet retaining means;elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocating said carriage;agitating mechanism independent of said elevating mechanism to agitateless than all of the said pivotally mounted retaining means, whereby thesheet retaining means when in the loading and unloading positionsreceive no agitation from the agitating mechanism.

SAMUEL HERSHIBERAG.

